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Originally titled, She's a Bitch, Elliott commented on the choice for the title as a positive way of expressing herself as a "strong woman in power"; she also stated that she felt very pressured while recording this album, and explained that she was afraid of experiencing a sophomore slump. Elliott said that the album was dedicated to the victims of the Columbine High School massacre of April 20, 1999.

Da Real World was released on June 22, 1999. It sold an estimate of 131,000 copies within its first week, and debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200, making it Elliott's second top ten album in a row.

AllMusic gave the album 4/5 stars, and quoted, "... it's clearly a Missy Elliott album in most respects, with Timbaland's previously trademarked, futuristic-breakbeat production smarts laced throughout..." and that, "... 'Busa Rhyme' turns out to be the best track off the whole album."

Toure, of Rolling Stone, gave the album 3/5 stars. He stated, "... even if Da Real World isn't a successful one, the album, somewhat, recalls Queen Latifah..." He also stated that Elliott's style was "tantalizing - a daring young woman from the Dirty South".